Runaway train smash, wrecked rail line — and the news is not getting any better for BHP

BHP says it does not believe it has enough iron ore stockpiled at Port Hedland in WA to meet its contracts with customers after the deliberate derailment of an out-of-control train disrupted its rail operations.

The train derailment happened about 5:30am on Monday and was coordinated from BHP's remote operations centre in Perth, about 1,500km away.

The driver had stopped at Hesta Siding to check a wagon, but the train — en route from Newman to Port Hedland — took off without him and careered 92 kilometres down the track before being derailed at Turner Siding.